Catnip, also known as "Nepeta cataria," is a perennial herb and is not the same as mint. The main differences between catnip and mint are:
1. Classification: Catnip belongs to the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, while mint belongs to the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae.
2. Appearance: Catnip leaves are thicker with fine hairs, and the flowers are cymose inflorescences, white with purple spots; mint leaves are thinner without fine hairs, and the flowers are verticillasters, pale purple.
3. Scent: Catnip has no obvious scent to humans, but it has a stimulating effect on cats; mint has a cool and aromatic scent.
4. Uses: Catnip is mainly used for interaction with cats; mint is widely used in food, medicine, and spices.
Catnip is the natural cannabis of the cat world, and it has a fatal attraction for cats, which is why cats love catnip.
